The galaxy was unmoving in an infinite balance as light from its countless stars radiated through the boundless darkness. Starships came and went, venturing across established space lanes or daring to explore beyond known borders.

A beacon of civilisation with unrivalled economic activity and the political centre of the galaxy, Coruscant inspired innovation, order, and the sense of being part of something greater. Perhaps for the lucky few in the higher surface levels, that was true.

Elis came in to work that morning with a mix of pride, joy and apprehension. After years of research and development, advocating and lobbying, the time had finally come to plead their case in front of the Senate for a galactic energy transition.

With no new customer in sight and no ongoing job, Kai had decided to spend the day at the ship docks instead of in the confined quarters of her shop. Hopping off a transport, she reached inside her duffle bag and grabbed one of the brownie balls she had bought on the way.

Fully focused on pulling hard on the wrench for a final check that the amour plate was secure, Kai didn’t notice the two men sprinting towards her ship until they were closing in on the boarding ramp. In a swift motion, she leaped from under the ship and jumped in front of the ramp, catching them by surprise and blocking their way just in time.

From the cockpit, Kai diligently navigated the Midsummer Comet out of Coruscant’s atmosphere. The moment the ship reached the darkness of space, she couldn’t help but take a moment to gaze at the stars. She never got tired of the vast glistening emptiness and its infinite possibilities.

Aleita Reidstar was standing on the railing of the command centre, looking down on the gallery. All the officers who had overseen the operation carried a satisfied grin. Another job well done, they were surely telling themselves.

Sitting excitedly in the cockpit, Kai was getting ready to drop the Midsummer Comet out of hyperspace. First things first, it was time to let her passengers know they were about to make their decent, and also a fine opportunity to test the ship-wide coms.